'Buy Now, Pay Later' Leader Sezzle Recognizes Its Canadian Retail Partners That Are 'Paying It Forward' During COVID-19

Retailers using Sezzle's payment platform are stepping up big to help communities in need across Canada during the pandemic

MINNEAPOLIS and TORONTO, May 11, 2020 /CNW/ -- Sezzle Inc. (ASX: SZL) The highest-rated, interest-free digital payment solution, Sezzle™, is extending its gratitude to its many Canadian retail partners for their empathic responses to communities in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has had a dramatic effect on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, many of Sezzle's eCommerce retail partners across Canada are experiencing something of a boon, as consumer shopping habits have shifted online. Sezzle's 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) platform has been at the center of this change in consumer spending behavior. Amid the pandemic, Sezzle has been delighted to see its Canadian retail partners Vessi, Peace Collective, and Vitaly take on mission-driven initiatives to serve their communities.

"Reinvesting in our community is a pillar of our company's success," observed Patrick Chan, the General Manager for Sezzle's Canadian operations. "We are excited to recognize these exceptional merchant partners. Sezzle is proud to congratulate our Canadian retailers who have upped their commitment to supporting their communities during these unique times."

Vessi, an eco-friendly, waterproof sneaker company based in Vancouver, has been consistently recognized for its commitment to helping those in need by launching its "Choose What You Pay" campaign. The initiative kicked off on March 27th and gives customers the option to select the price they are willing to pay, with 100% of profits earmarked to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.

Vessi's "Choose What You Pay" program has raised funding to purchase more than 400,000 FDA-approved face masks that are going to hospitals and frontline medical workers in both the U.S. and Canada," said Gabriel Dias, Digital Marketing Director, at Vessi. "We're also donating $100,000 to fund local community projects like delivering groceries, 3D printing PPE, and more." Vessi has been a Sezzle merchant partner since April 2020.

Peace Collective is a Toronto-based apparel company focused on the mission of giving that has been on Sezzle's payments platform since March, 2020. The eCommerce retailer celebrates authenticity and empowerment and has shown tremendous commitment to its community as the economic crisis stemming from the pandemic has unfolded. Peace Collective has been working on a host of initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of COVID-19.

"We have several mission-driven programs we are using to help those impacted by coronavirus," said Lisa Diep, Operations & Strategy, at Peace Collective. "For every garment sold from our 'Home Is' collection, our team donates the equivalent of three meals to local food banks. Additionally, in partnership with Budweiser, the proceeds from our 'Capsule' collection are donated to the Canadian Red Cross."

"For our most recent program, 'Buy One, Give One,' we have been donating one face mask to a frontline worker in need for every purchase," added Diep. "We would not have been able to make a huge impact on these initiatives without Sezzle. It's helped us raise awareness and reach a larger audience in the Sezzle community."

Vitaly, operated by Toronto-based jewelry brand house, Compound Studio, is another of Sezzle's Canadian retail partners that has shown a steadfast commitment to stepping up to support frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic.

"After the COVID-19 pandemic hit North America, Compound launched an initiative to donate masks to hospitals and healthcare workers for every order placed on their online stores," commented Joe Cornfield, Vitaly's Director of Marketing. "Kickstarted by our own initial $10,000 donation, Compound was able to raise $55,000 to donate masks to those in need."

These are only three from a long list of companies across Canada using Sezzle that are stepping up in ways big and small to support those on the frontlines of fighting the pandemic, and those most in need during the pandemic. Sezzle thanks its merchant partners for their contributions to their community during these unprecedented times.

About Sezzle Inc.Sezzle™ is a rapidly growing fintech company on a mission to financially empower the next generation. Sezzle's payment platform increases the purchasing power for more than one million users across the U.S. and Canada by offering interest-free installment plans at online stores and select in-store locations. Sezzle's transparent, inclusive, and seamless payment option allows consumers to take control over their spending, be more responsible, and gain access to financial freedom. When customers apply, approval is instant, and their credit scores are not negatively impacted.

This increase in purchasing power for end-customers leads to increased sales and basket sizes for the more than 12,000 merchants that offer Sezzle in the U.S. and Canada.

Sezzle's CDIs are issued in reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Regulation S of the US Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) for offers of securities which are made outside the US. Accordingly, the CDIs, have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the US. As a result of relying on the Regulation S exemption, the CDIs are 'restricted securities' under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. This means that you are unable to sell the CDIs into the US or to a US person who is not a QIB for the foreseeable future except in very limited circumstances until after the end of the restricted period, unless the re-sale of the CDIs is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption is available. To enforce the above transfer restrictions, all CDIs issued bear a FOR Financial Product designation on the ASX. This designation restricts any CDIs from being sold on ASX to US persons excluding QIBs. However, you are still able to freely transfer your CDIs on ASX to any person other than a US person who is not a QIB. In addition, hedging transactions with regard to the CDIs may only be conducted in accordance with the Securities Act.

If you are interested in learning more about Sezzle consumer habits and buying patterns amid COVID-19, contact Sezzle media.

Merchants and retailers interested in learning more about Sezzle can learn more here. Customers interested in signing up to use Sezzle can learn more here.